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Hull captain Davies not giving up on England cap

Curtis Davies: Fearing the worst

Hull skipper Curtis Davies insists the door remains open on his chances of an England call-up but admits he is running out of time.

The 31-year-old defender, yet to appear for his country, has been instrumental in the Tigers’ impressive start back in the Premier League this season.

Davies, the best defender in Europe according to Opta’s statistics earlier this month, is happy to take the plaudits but accepts time is running out if he is to finally realise his England dream.

“There’s not the Rio (Ferdinand)s, there’s not the John Terrys, there’s not the Sol Campbells, Ledley Kings of old so I think the door will be open,” said the former West Brom, Aston Villa and Birmingham centre-half.

“But time is ticking and I’m not sure what direction England are looking.

“Are they looking to maybe bring the younger Englishmen through so they can be ready for the tournament or are they going to pick whoever is good enough whether they’re old or young?

Curtis Davies has made 31 interceptions so far this season, more than any other player in Europe's top 5 leagues. pic.twitter.com/04CZ388u8p

“I remain hopeful, but for me it’s just about doing as well as I can for Hull and anything else is a bonus.”

Across Europe’s top five leagues – in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France – Opta’s statistics placed Davies at the top of the charts for interceptions, blocks and clearances after the Premier League’s first four matches.

“I like the idea of having a decent contribution to the stats,” he added.

Great to be back to winning ways. Especially with 8 changes & 6 full debuts against a strong Stoke side. Relieved to avoid Extra Time #HCAFC

“But to say you’re the best defender in Europe based on stats – I don’t buy into it because if you’re playing for Hull you’re going to have a lot more blocking, interceptions, tackles, heading and clearing to do than you are if you play for Man City or Arsenal.

“You can’t read too much into it. It’s nice to know I’m doing my job to the best of my ability, but to say best defender in Europe – I’d love it to be true, but it’s a bit far from the mark.”

Davies was named in Fabio Capello’s first squad for a friendly against Switzerland in January 2008, but did not feature and although included in subsequent England parties, he has yet to win his first cap.